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Urban professionals have increasingly complex lives compared to a few decades ago. Sure, they’re still crazy for coffee and croissants, but they’re also working or checking their portfolios while chilling on a terrace.
The rise of remote and hybrid work has given city dwellers more flexibility to fit investing into their day. Also, mobile trading apps and platforms make it incredibly easy to keep track of your investments on the go.
But it’s not just this. Easy access to digital investments is reshaping urban lifestyles, and we should talk about this a little more.
The Rise of Mobile Trading Apps
Back in the day (actually, not so long ago), you had to go to a broker’s office to buy and sell stocks. Nowadays, everyone can carry an entire trading floor in their pocket due to mobile trading apps.
Let’s take MetaTrader 5 as an example. This is an online platform where you can trade a wide range of financial instruments, learn about how all of this works, or connect with a professional broker while taking your lunch break.
These platforms feature real-time alerts, one-tap trades, and personalized dashboards so anyone can track their portfolios without getting lost in complex charts or endless menus.
In fact, this is the main appeal of such platforms. Investing has become this quick, on-the-go activity that fits between meetings, coffee breaks, or a subway ride.
This shift is more than convenience; it’s a full-blown trend. Furthermore, Gen Z seems to be the most interested in it. Of course, Millennials also show interest, especially urbanites, but the younger generations have the most time, skill, and knowledge to keep the trend going.
Remote Work and Financial Habits
When your office is also your living room (or that corner coffee shop with reliable WiFi), your workday naturally takes on a different rhythm. Since there’s no one watching your every move or click, you can fit more activities into your day and still do the job you’re paid to do.
This means that, instead of waiting until after 5 p.m., people are more in tune with their portfolios and the market situation. As a result, opportunities feel more accessible and people are more emboldened to jump on them.
Still, if you’re not prepared for this, day trading can get a bit addictive. To avoid getting overwhelmed, put this activity on your schedule. Block off 10–15 minutes, three times per day, to check in on markets rather than letting notifications pull you in at random.
The Increase in Decision Fatigue
One of the reasons urban culture is so attractive to young people is its complexity. Most of the time, things don’t go smoothly, and you have to navigate mazes, solve complex problems, and basically prove your mettle to thrive.
Add to this the overwhelming mental gymnastics needed to keep track of markets while working and the emotional swings of investing, and you may feel decision fatigue creeping in. The good news is that modern apps and platforms take this into account and offer specialized features such as alerts for price targets and automated trades.
This way, you can keep doing your job without losing track of your investments.
Urban Life Makes Trading More Attractive
You may not see it at first glance, but many urban environments (especially in big cities) have fully embraced this flexible way of living. We have coworking spaces and open-floor offices where professionals can combine work with additional activities, whether it’s trading or a side hustle.
Also, it’s not unusual to find market news streams on communal TVs or Slack/WhatsApp channels buzzing with stock tips. City life makes it easier to find and access seminars, meetups, and professional communities focused on investing (online or offline).
Then you have wearables and smart devices that can turn any public transit downtime or commute into a mini trading session. You can even go for a walk and check the markets on your Apple Watch or phone when you stop for a breather.
Lastly, there’s peer influence. Many urbanites dabble in day trading, and they like to share their thoughts and experiences. So, it’s only natural to feel curious and tempted when all your colleagues can talk about is crypto and Forex trading.
Wrap Up
Life in big cities exposes you to a wide range of new, exciting, and interesting opportunities. However, increased levels of financial literacy and a more flexible work schedule have changed the way we see investing and growing a portfolio. If you’re interested, give it a shot and see where it takes you.